When you work from home, the way you get dressed for the day has probably evolved into a completely different ritual compared to when you had to drive to work each day. For many remote workers, their daily routine involves staying in pajamas all day unless they need to attend a Zoom meeting. This sounds cozy, but research has shown that what you wear impacts how you feel and perform, even when nobody sees you.
Research has proven that how you dress impacts the way you think. For instance, one study from 2015 found that dressing professionally increases abstract thought and gives people a broader perspective. When you find the right balance between comfort and style, you’ll be more confident and productive throughout the day. If you’re not sure how to transition from pajamas to work clothes without sacrificing comfort, here’s how you can level up your work-from-home wardrobe.
1. Keep it casual
If you don’t enjoy wearing professional business attire, as long as it’s not a requirement by your employer, skip the suits and ties. If your company has a dress code, review it before making any decisions, but go for a casual look if it’s allowed. Even just a nice pair of jeans or skirt and a button-down shirt can be comfortable and professional.
2. Keep your feet comfortable
When working from home, it’s unlikely that anyone will ever see your feet, so keep them as comfortable as possible. Wear shoes that make you feel good and don’t wear fancy dress shoes if they make you uncomfortable. Wear sandals or slippers if that’s what you prefer. And if you sit for long hours without taking breaks, try wearing compression socks to keep your circulation moving. This way, when you take a break and go for a brisk walk around the block, you’ll already have the support needed to avoid tired feet.
3. Wear nice sweatpants
If you must wear sweatpants while you work, at least get a nice pair of sweatpants that you don’t use as pajamas. There are a lot of nice sweats made with thicker material that feel almost like regular pants. Anything will work as long as you don’t feel like you’re wearing pajamas.
4. Go barefoot
Staying barefoot while you work can offset feeling restricted by wearing professional attire. Being barefoot is not only healthy for you, especially when you go outside and walk on grass or dirt, but it can give you the sense of freedom you need to be comfortable when you’re stuck wearing clothes you don’t prefer. As long as you don’t need to get up and walk away from a Zoom meeting, nobody will know you’re barefoot.
5. Go for stretchy fabrics
Clothes that stretch are ideal for working from home. Elastic waistbands allow you to sit for long periods of time, and clothes that stretch will move with you as you get up and down and move around in your chair. If your clothing is too restrictive – like a tight blazer – you’ll have to adjust each time you reach for something like a pen or your cup of coffee.
The best stretchy fabrics include knitwear and polyester and other synthetic blends, but knit clothing tends to be more comfortable against the skin.
6. Wear plain t-shirts
T-shirts are probably the most comfortable option, but they can be a source of controversy. If there’s any chance you’ll be called to get on a Zoom meeting, make sure the t-shirts you wear are plain. Even seemingly innocent logos might cause a stir among your coworkers or be considered offensive to someone on the call. Plain t-shirts are your best option to avoid these problems.
7. Wear a stylish sweater
Whether you need it for warmth or to top off your outfit, a stylish sweater can make you feel and look amazing. It can also be a good way to avoid wearing business attire if you just want to wear a t-shirt, but you need to dress it up a bit. You can also wear a nice sweater over a polo shirt or button-down shirt. And in case you get called into a last-minute Zoom meeting, a nice sweater is easy to put on so you can look your best.
Dress intentionally for your workday
Your work-from-home wardrobe doesn’t need to be boring or uncomfortable. With a little effort, you can create comfortable outfits that look professional and keep you feeling great all day long. Whether you layer with the basics or just top your outfits with a nice sweater, dressing up for your workday will set you up for success.